The Bicycling World, Vol 10, No 25
Articles in this issue
- The lead editorial argues against variable gear devices on bicycles, contending that a well-chosen fixed gear is superior for both road riding and racing. Notes comment on the latest Wheel World illustrated issue and the ongoing amateur/professional classification debate.
- Letters and opinions from League of American Wheelmen members on policy reform: Dr. Geo. E. Blackham (Dunkirk, NY), Edward F. Hill (Peekskill, NY), Treasurer Stephen Terry, H.E. Ducker, 'A Well-Known Wheelman,' and Samuel T. Clark of Missouri each offer views on what changes would make the L.A.W. more effective.
- A Springfield, IL jury returned a verdict in favor of cyclist Edgar S. Barnes against L.F. Steelman, whose runaway horses struck Barnes's bicycle, establishing a legal precedent for cyclists' right to the road.
- Letter from 'Spokes' (Macon, GA) describing professional racing by John S. Prince and W.J. Morgan in Georgia; races at Central City Park organized by the Macon Bicycle Club under captain John H. Polhill.
- William J. Bowman of the Oakland Bicycle Club completed a 150-mile round trip from Oakland to Gilroy and back, setting a new long-distance cycling record for the Pacific Coast.
- Illustrated description of the Royal Mail Tandem bicycle; also introduces Lamson's Practical Cyclometer, a spoke-mounted device with a noiseless rubber roller mechanism, made by C.H. Lamson of 201 Middle Street, Portland, ME.
- W.J. Morgan reports that John S. Prince and Captain John H. Polhill have contributed to the testimonial fund for English professional champion John Keen, reflecting transatlantic cycling community ties.
- A cycling gossip column (signed 'By the Way') with brief items on prominent wheelmen and club happenings across New England and the mid-Atlantic states.
- A correspondent from Barre, VT (signed 'Verd Monte') reports on spring road conditions in central Vermont, local cycling activity, and the scenic advantages of cycling through the region.
- Miscellaneous cycling news: Chas. H. Potter's son cycling, Cleveland Bicycle Club's Wetmore standstill record, publication of the Pennsylvania cyclists' road book, the Kangaroo safety bicycle's growing popularity, Thomas Stevens's Chicago write-up in Outing, and Webster and Ryrie's British tour plans.
- English cycling news: James vs. Howell challenge at Crystal Palace; N.C.U. championship schedule; Wolverhampton professional handicap (Darrall first, Farndon second, Howell third); 50-mile professional championship at Leicester (Duncan first, Birt second); Society of Cyclists inaugural meeting chaired by Dr. B.W. Richardson.
- New York Citizens' Bicycle Club second annual races at Knickerbocker Rink drew 5,000 spectators with E.A. Huffman breaking the roller-skate speed record at 3:57; Montgomery, Columbus, and Macon (GA) results including John S. Prince vs. Polhill and Morgan vs. Bismarck; Racing Board championship location decisions.
- Club news: Star Club Lynn, Fitchburg Club, Waterbury Wheel Club (voted to join L.A.W.), K.C.W. Brooklyn sociable, Fall River Club, Massachusetts Bicycle Club reception with Col. A.A. Pope; and a letter from the St. Petersburg (Russia) Society of Amateur Velocipedists inviting American clubs to their May races.
- American Division notice: Chief Consul Frank W. Weston (Savin Hill, Boston); state consuls from Connecticut to Wyoming Territory; special sleeping car from Boston to the annual Cleveland meeting on 16 May; new membership applications.
- Brief editorial replies on bicycle equipment, road maps for Essex and Worcester Counties, club locations in Boston, and subscription and missing-issue matters.
- Upcoming events calendar: Memphis tournament April 30-May 2, C.T.C. American Division annual meeting at Cleveland May 18-19, Louisville Wheel Club, Yale championship races, L.A.W. annual meet at Buffalo July 3-4, C.W.A. meet at Woodstock (Ont.) July 1, Springfield tournament September 8-10.